One's Destiny

By Fatala

Sorry this chapter took me so long but the college work has been piling up like crazy. (Insert picture of me struggling under a large pile of college books, and computers.) But I'll get it done, eventually. Well enough of that its time for Chapter 4.

Fatala-singing and dancing-

Maya-"What is she doing?"

Tsuzuki-"She is rejoicing that she has conquered her latest case of writers block."

Maya-"Oookkk. I don't think I'll ever understand humans."

Tsuzuki-"Who says she's human?"

Maya-...

Vakama-"Why am I still here!"

Chapter 4: Despair or Hope?

Nokama was worried. Ever since the battle against Kuroga and the Hadrokshi she hadn't seen Vakama. Infact no one had seen him. He had gone off on his own after the fight and no one had seen him since. She could understand why he would want to be alone but now was not the time. They needed him to lead them and he needed them to lend support.

"There you go Nuju.", said Nokama as she finished healing his wounds. While Onewa, Matau, and Whenua searched for a tunnel that would lead down to Metru Nui she was incharge of healing the wounded. She had first healed Takanuva, because his wounds were so extensive, then Nuju. The others' wounds were not as serious.

"Thank you Nokama.", he said standing up and walking over to help the others. The only one she had went to heal was Vakama, that was if she could find him. Nokama stood up and started to head back into Ga-Koro.

"Nokama, where are you going?", asked Hahli seeing the former Turaga leaving.

"I'm gonna go find Vakama.", she replied before disappearing into the night.

Vakama stood looking out at the ocean from a tall cliff near Ga-Koro. Although his body was on the coast, his mind was kios away. He was struggling to make sense of the events which had taken place and was trying to find a solution. But in the back of his mind the nagging feeling of despair was telling him to give up. Vakama refused to listen, to believe that there was no hope. Him and the other Toa Metru had faced such seemingly hopeless conditions before and still had triumphed. The former Toa Nuva had done the same. He knew he should be helping the others find a tunnel which would lead them back to the sea of protodermis which surrounded Metru Nui; but he had a bad feeling about traveling through the tunnel that was near Ga-Koro. There was something waiting for them, Vakama could feel it.

He reached up to touch the still damaged Earki on his chest. Vakama winced in pain as he did so. Many of his wounds still hadn't closed up letting small amounts of blood trickle down his still injured body. The Earki for some reason was healing at an unusually fast rate. Vakama was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he didn't even notice that he was no longer alone. Atleast not until Nokama spoke up.

"It's about time I found you.", she said jestingly. Vakama spun around in surprize, the sudden action rewarded him with a sharp and suddenly pain in his chest. At seeing Vakama in pain Nokama helped him sit down on a large rock nearby. "Here let me heal you.", she said kneeling infront of him. Before he could protest Nokama had already begun healing his wounds. Not resisting Vakama closed his eyes and sighed peacefully as he felt his pain begin to melt away. After a little while he could feel her healing powers starting to weaken as the healing process started to slow. Opening his eyes he gently placed his hand on one of hers, causing Nokama to lose her focus. With her line of concentration being broken she looked up at Vakama.

"And you complain about me pushing myself.", he said with a smile. Sitting next to him, Nokama and Vakama watched the twin suns as they began to rise.

"So what were you thinking about before I interrupted you?", she asked after a moment of silence.

"Everything. Mainly about what Kuroga had said. He knew something about the Earki and their powers. I think they're more than just simple energy amplifiers that he suggested they were. He talked about there being superstious tales about them. None of it made sense at the time and it still doesn't even now.", Vakama sighed heavily in fustration.

"Whenua said that there were alot of legends refering to the Earki."

"Yes, but if Kuroga knew about them then that means Makuta knows." There was another long pause 'til Nokama spoke up again.

"But Kuroga is gone." At that Vakama stood up.

"I know. Yet I . . . just have a feeling, that Kuroga was nothing compared to what is ahead." As soon as he said that the world around Vakama disappeared into a blanket of darkness. He turned around to find that Nokama was gone. Was this another vision? Vakama didn't know. He had seen darkness in his visions but nothing like this. Suddenly Vakama found himself in a near pitch black chamber. A pair of blood thirsty red eyes seemed to stare strait through him. He recognised those eyes, they had haunted his nightmares for over a thousand years "Makuta . . .", Vakama whispered in anger. He hated Makuta, he stood against everything that Vakama and the other Toa had fought so hard to protect. Makuta just continued to stare at him until there was the sudden creak of the chamber door opening.

"Master Makuta?", a cold voice asked as it approached Makuta's throne, where he was sitting. Vakama tore his eyes away from Makuta's to look at who had entered. Whoever he was he had dark blue, almost black, armor. Makuta finally brought his attention to his minion as he kneeled before him.

"I trust you have the mask, Aedalu."

"Yes my lord.", Aedalu nodded pulling out the Mask of Time.

"Excellent. You have done well.", praised Makuta as he examined it carefully. Watching this Vakama held his breath. 'If he uses its power now it will all be over!' But instead of putting the mask on Makuta placed it on a stand next to his throne. "How are the 'others' fairing in their quest?"

"They have aquired two of the three artifacts required." Makuta nodded his head in approval as Vakama continued to watch on in silence. For some reason Makuta was the only one seemingly aware of his presence yet, in some way, not fully aware of him. Makuta then rose from his seat, ordering his minion to leave. Once Aedalu was gone Makuta's glare turned back to Vakama as he began to march towards him. Vakama backed up until his back hit the wall. He was alone and powerless in Makuta's lair, staring at the red eyes of death itself. Makuta slammed his right hand into the wall next to Vakama's head. Amber eyes met red and red eyes stared menousingly back at amber. There was a long drawn out moment of silence until Makuta spoke.

"It seems time has favored both of us; don't you agree Vakama." Vakama stayed silent. "I knew we would meet again. Now I hold the Mask of Time in my grasp and with it I hold the destiny of the world.", Makuta said turning away. At this Vakama's anger began to rise.

"We'll stop you! Just like-" Vakama's fury was interrupted when Makuta swiftly spun around and thrust his hand into Vakama's chest. Vakama was unprepared for the attack but instead of the indescribable pain which should have followed he felt nothing. Looking down at his chest Vakama was shocked to see that Makuta's hand had passed strait through him as if it wasn't even there.

"How I would love to rip out your heart and crush it in my own hand.", Makuta said removing his hand and tightening it into a fist. Before Vakama could begin to wonder about this vision it disappeared.

Sitting in his throne room, beside the Mask of Time; unaware of Vakama's visions, Makuta reflected.

"It is happening again; just as it did eons ago. Just as it has been for ages beyond count. How I envy you. You have been spared from the unending knowledge of the past. Yet, thus as it is a blessing it shall now be your undoing."

Again Vakama found himself in the endless space of darkness which seemed to streach on forever. As it happened so many times in his visions, Vakama suddenly found himself thrust into an eeriely familar place. He was now back in the Great Temple on Metru Nui, but it was different. Instead of being the dark, ruined place it was when he was a Hordika, it was back to it's original state. No it was as if it had just constructed. Vakama looked around, amazed at what he saw. Everything was the same as he remembered execpt for one thing. On each of the seven surrounding pillars there were seven crevases just big enough for a crystal to be held in them. His attention was suddenly deverted to a strange Toa who had entered the temple unnoticed. His armor was a dark crimson and light silver; his eyes were a deep green and he wore an unknown mask. He walked past Vakama and into the center of the temple, where the Toa Suva usually was. Vakama noticed the lost look in the Toa's eyes. It was the look of one who had seemingly lost hope. Vakama could imagine that he must have looked the same when he was in the same situation. Hearing footsteps both Vakama and the strange Toa turned to see nine other Toa standing there. Beside the other five elemental Toa who were there, there was also a Toa of Light and three unrecognisable Toa; one with gold and red armor, another with blue and gold, and the last with silver and a strange rainbow-like color. They began to speak to one another but for some strange reason Vakama could not hear them. For some reason he was deaf to what they were saying, but why. Suddenly it disappeared he found himself back on the coast with Nokama.

"Vakama?", Nokama asked her eyes filled with concern. "Vakama?", she asked again as Vakama shook his head to clear it.

"We-we should . . . get back to the others.", he said quickly changing the subject as he began to walk away. Nokama watched him walk toward where the others were in his thoughts. 'Oh, Vakama. You shouldn't force yourself to bear such heavy burdens alone. We're all here to help you, if only you would just ask.', Nokama thought to herself sadly wanting so badly to say those words. But she couldn't everytime she wanted to tell him that it seemed hercourage would just desert he. Sighing to herself she followed him back to the other Toa.

"It's about time you two got back.", said Matau as he noticed Nokama and Vakama return.

"Sorry we took so long. How's the search coming?", Vakama asked regaining atleast some of his confidence.

"We're all set. Onewa found the passage not too long ago.", replied Whenua.

"Then lets not waste time.", said Matau enthusiasticly.

Now they stood at the mouth of the tunnel. It reminded Takanuva and Jaller of the tunnels of Onu-Koro, except for the cold, stale air which greeted them.

"I just hope we don't have as hard of time as the last time.", voiced Nokama mostly to herself.

"Maybe if Mata Nui was awake but we shouldn't count on it.", Onewa countered grimly.

"Lets go.", said Vakama nodding to Whenua. Whenua nodded back before turning to Takanuva.

"We'll have to take the lead and light the way." After saying this they started out into the darkness. Jaller, Hahli, and Nuju continued after, followed by Vakama and Nokama, and finished by Onewa and Matau. All nine slowly desended into the dark bowels of Mata Nui, unaware of the dangers awaiting them up ahead. The light provided by Takanuva help illuminated the area around them as they walked while Whenua used his mask power to watch ahead for danger. For a long time they traveled in silence until Takanuva stopped to glance at some strange written which brought the party to a stop.

"I've never seen writing like this before.", comment Takanuva. It wasn't Matoran writing but something different and ancient. Most of the carvings had been worn off by time while other were covered be a glowing green moss.

"We have; it seems to show up in every tunnel that connects Mata Nui to Metru Nui.", informed Whenua.

"Do you know what it says?", Hahli asked turning to Nokama.

"This writing is so old that not even I can translate it.", she answered running her hand against the writing. "And even if I could, most of it is to gone to read."

"Lets keep moving. The faster we get out of here to Metru Nui the better.", said Matau uneasily. Vakama could understand Matau's uneasiness especially after all the things they had encountered in similar tunnes. Respecting his advice they continued down deeper into the island. After traveling for some time they came to a fork in the tunnel; one passage going right, the other left.

"Which way do we go now?", asked Nokama. Vakama looked from the right tunnel to the left then back again weighing his decision. He knew that the wrong decision could lead them into serious danger, he could not make a choice by chance alone.

"Matau, can you sense any fresh air? It might lead us on the right path.", he asked turning back to Matau. Matau came to the front of the group and began focusing his elemental powers to sense any changes in the air. The air in the left tunnel was unusually cold, giving off an ominous atmosphere. The right tunnel was very different. It's air was sticky and warm with an almost foul odor which created a stagnant feeling.

"I say we go left.", he said looking back at the group.

"And why do you say that?", asked Nuju expecting one of Matau's ludicrist comments.

"Because it doesn't smell like stale Rahi breath.", answered Matau, the usual humor in his voice now drained away. Without further prodding they continued though the left tunnel. As soon as they were out of sight a pair of eyes opened in the right tunnel. One blue eye, one red eye to be correct.

'They have come. Those who I know so well. I was the forger, they were the forged. Soon they shall return to their rightful owners and I will then finally free the unity of the heavens, the duty of the world, and the destiny of the future.'

Unaware of the silent watcher the seven Toa and two Matoran continued down. Takanuva was unnerved about everything which was happening. The terrible events of makuta's return, the natural disasters, the plague, Matoran disappearing, being caputured and tortured by Kuroga. Then being recued by the former Turaga; now Toa Metru, being reunited with Jaller and Hahli, Kuroga's death, and now traveling through the underground tunnels of Mata Nui on their way to Metru Nui. Everything was going so fast as if everything was part of some predestined plan; maybe Makuta's. The thought left a dreaded feeling in his heart.

Then there was a sudden and violent shift in the earth which alarmed the small party. The seven Toa quickly drew their weapons ready to face any danger. A loud roar came from behind them and they spun around to face their enemy. As they saw it the Toa Metru suddenly felt their courage disappear. Nokama quietly breathed the one word which summed up all their fears.

"Kraawa!"

To be continued . . .

(What does Vakama's visions mean? Were they that of the future or of the past? Will the Toa be able to defeat the Kraawa or have they finally met their match? And if the do survive what new dangers lie ahead for our heros? Find out more in the next chapter of One's Destiny, Chapter 5: The Forger.)

Maya-"Well bye."

Zerca-"No, not bye yet."

Maya-"What do you mean?"

Zerca-"You forgot to answer the reviews."

Maya-"Why does she have to have reviewers? It would be so much easier if she didn't."

Zerca-"Don't you ever say that again! If she didn't have reviewers we wouldn't exist!" -look of terror crosses Maya's face-

Maya-"Don't say that!"

Zerca-"It's the truth, so be nice to the reviewers."

Maya-"Ok, ok. -clears throat- Sorry about that. Now it's time for the reviews:

Greenswind and Cheesedude-"Thanks. Don't worry I already know your a Matau fien- I mean fan. I am too, I torture him because I like him. "

Bioniclefangirl-"Crabs are funny and delicious! Drama club, cool. I never tried drama club but one of my friends has and he says it was cool."

Shadow Dragon04-"Bad guys get no love. I like all the Pirakas . . . when they're being roasted over a grill with a orange sauce glazed over them. Actually I hate them. The only things their good for is Rahi food and target practice. Yes the Toa will be very injured at times -something even worse than Vakama is now- but right now there are no plan for any of them dieing. Although I could always change my mind. -evil laugh-"

Eagles Heart-"Aahhh . . . The ulimate questions: What are the Earki? and What do they do? Can't tell, its a secret. But the next chapter shall prompt a new question: Who created the Earki and Why? -que suspenseful music-"

Dalek Gun07-"Sorry for the confusion last chapter. Just to clear things up: the other Hadrokshi are dead and yes Kuroga was the lifeline. The only thing that keep them alive was Kuroga. I kind of think of them as like the Borg from Star Trek. Kill a borg and the hive still survives, but if you kill the hive mind the borg cannot survive and they all die. That's the only way I can think of explaining it so I hope that clears somethings up."

Well that's all Fatala wanted to say. And please keep reviewing if you don't she's turn us into Rahi chow."

Fatala-"If I loses any reviewers because of you, you've had it!"

Maya-"Yipe! Please review to keep us alive!"

(Just asa little side note my Bionicle RPG has had a complete over haul. So let the RPing begin. If you are interested go to my profile for the address. Please join, for the fate of Rai Nui rest in your hands. Did I just say that? 0...0)